Look who's 4 months

I had good intentions of posting the picture I took of William at 3 months, but didn't. I also should have documented that 1 week later he rolled from his back to his tummy. He's only done it a handful of times since.

So on to 4 moths. I LOVE this stage! He is responsive and alert, peaceful and playful!
William is starting to like the Bumbo chair and can reach for and hold on to toys. He coos, babbles, smiles, and talks to me- or anyone who will talk to him.
He adores his sisters and can even follow them around the room with his eyes.Occasionally he even tolerates Brooklyn sharing his space.
Here he was trying out his friends ride- A Jeep- while we were passing our last hot summer day at Pump It Up.
And lastly, here is our content and easy going baby going for a ride in Caitlyn's train. Thankfully Brooklyn's baby shared her bottle so he wouldn't get motion sick.
We love our baby brother! He has definitely brought immeasurable love and joy to our home.

First

Today was Madisen's first day of 1st grade. She was excited to start in her new school and have a few friends from our old (soon to be new) ward in her class. In fact, she and Emma ran right in without Rachel and I even walking them to their room. I'm thrilled that school starts 20 minutes later- it's amazing what a difference 20 minutes makes in the morning!

This summer Madisen has gotten really good at braiding her own hair. Last night she got it wet and put 2 braids in framing her face. She was delighted that she'd have wavy hair for the first day.

Last week I attended a parent information meeting with Madisen's new teacher, Ms. Gillum. She is sweet, sets clear expectations, and will expect great things of my 1st grader. I was impressed at her organized & inviting room, it was obvious that she loves her job! On Thursday when Madisen got to meet her she was warm and interested as she got right down to speak with Madisen on her level. There was a small gift in a white lunch bag on Madisen's desk. This poem was stapled to the outside and there was some play-doh on the inside.

I dreamed I stood in a studio
And watched two sculptors there.
The clay they used was a
Young child's mind,
And they fashioned with care.

One was a teacher with tools
Of books, music, and art;
One was a parent with a guiding hand
And a gentle, loving heart.

And when at last their work was done,
They were proud of what they had wrought;
For the things they had worked
Into this could never be
Sold or bought.

And each agreed she would have failed
If she had worked alone.
For behind the parent stood the school,
And behind the teacher
Stood the home.

By: Ray A. Lingenfetter
Elementary School Principal (not ours)

It's going to be a great year.... I can feel it!!

Before

This weekend is our 2 year anniversary of our move to the great state of TX. To celebrate, we've bought a house!! (OK, we've been looking for a while and finally found just the right one for us.) We love the location- close to our new elementary school and on a street full of friendly families- the floor plan, the backyard, the hot tub, & the extra space in the garage! But we don't love their choice of paint colors. So here is a little tour of some of the rooms. They were taken at night on Bill's phone so they're not the best quality... ces la vie.

This is looking in to the family room from the front entry. The picture doesn't do justice to the dark accent wall behind the fire place and the matching ceilings that go through the main areas.
Now standing by the fireplace looking back to the entry and up the stairs. (The kitchen is off to the right and the door in the entry on the left leads to the garage.)
Looking into the family room from the breakfast nook in the kitchen.
View of the kitchen and back door.
Opposite view of kitchen. Door to the left in the back leads to the dining room- laundry room is on the right.
Dining room- green laundry room in the back right corner.
Small study- in the hall off the family room.
Across from the study is the powder bathroom. Why would I include that you are wondering? Because of the awful...ahem... awesome paint job. This picture just doesn't do it justice. The ceiling is burgundy and the crown molding is tan. The walls are also burgundy... and then they are covered with a gold and silver faux finish look. It really is not my style and doesn't go with the floor.
And they used the same look in the master, only this is over chocolate brown.
A fun feature is that they have converted 3/4 of the game room upstairs into a media room. The entire room is navy sparkly paint, except the 'screen'. Which is white projector paint outlined by black molding. And the base boards are gold. We'll keep this for a while- I actually don't mind the navy for the media room. If only I had that fabulous red semi-circle couch that the previous owners had.
Not pictured: the kids rooms. There is one for each of them and the colors of those are currently up for debate. We are scheduled to be out of our rental by the 15 of September. So much to do and so little time!

Baby William

Man I desperately need to sit down and catch up. William is growing up WAY TOO FAST and I don't want to forget what a perfect baby he is. I got this picture of him the other night with Bill's phone. It was pretty late and he was chillin' on his tummy putting in his 2 cents on which color we should paint the ceiling in our new house.